Prospects Archive

On Monday afternoon at Peoria Sports Complex, the best pitcher in the Cactus League this spring, 22-year-old Mariners right-hander Taijuan Walker, stood tall against Mike Trout and Albert Pujols, two of the best hitters of the last decade.

D-backs manager Chip Hale announced his rotation Monday along with a handful of roster moves, and later said the team had reassigned Cuban free-agent pitcher Yoan Lopez to Minor League camp. Surprisingly, Archie Bradley -- rated the club's No. 1 prospect by MLB.com -- is in the running for the last bullpen spot.

While Kris Bryant, Javier Baez and Addison Russell were packing up their lockers to move to the Minor League side of the Cubs complex Monday, Kyle Hendricks was prepping for his penultimate spring start. If Hendricks is on the Cubs' Opening Day roster, it will be the first time for the right-hander, who began last season at Triple-A Iowa.

When Joe Maddon met with Addison Russell to tell the shortstop he was being assigned to Minor League camp, the Cubs manager was nearly speechless. "I couldn't tell him what to work on," Maddon said. "He's that accomplished at that age. I told him, 'Just keep doing what you're doing.'"

If you only saw Javier Baez play defense at second base or run the bases, you'd be convinced he's ready for the big leagues. But Baez still has work to do at the plate, and the young Cubs infielder was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Monday.

Spring Training isn't only about making the 25-man roster that breaks camp for Opening Day. There are countless prospects who get the chance to simply show what they can do. Here's a look at those in the top half of our Top 100 prospects whose time in big league camp has come and gone.

The Padres brought some clarity to their muddled bullpen picture on Monday when they traded left-handed reliever Alex Torres to the Mets for right-handed pitcher Cory Mazzoni and a player to be named later.

America's first introduction to Hagen Danner came nearly four years ago in the 2011 Little League World Series. That summer, he starred for Huntington Beach's Ocean Valley Little League, helping the team win the championship in Williamsport, Pa.

At 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, right-handed-hitting Taylor Featherston is one of the candidates to replace Kendrick. While it's a huge order, Featherston has a nice mix of tools that could bode well for his new club.

We've most likely ventured guesses as to which way the Cubs' front office is leaning when it comes to the decision to break camp with the prospect Kris Bryant on the big league roster or option him to Triple-A for Opening Day. This week, we'll get our answer, and all over the Major League map, we'll get a lot more.

Micah Johnson "appears to be the guy" at second base for the White Sox to start the 2015 season, per comments made by Robin Ventura on Sunday. But nothing is set in stone with five Cactus League games remaining.

Andrew Heaney doesn't consider his first Spring Training with the Angels a success. The left-hander and club's top prospect struggled again in Sunday's 8-6 loss to the Reds at Tempe Diablo Stadium. He allowed six runs on eight hits in five-plus innings.

With just over a week remaining until Opening Day, the Mariners moved closer to their final 25-man roster on Sunday by cutting nine players from Major League camp, including left-handed starter Roenis Elias.

Andrew Susac, who finished last year's World Series-winning season as San Francisco's backup catcher, was among five players optioned to Triple-A Sacramento. Six others were reassigned to Minor League camp.

After losing the first game of the International Series on Friday night against South Caldwell High School (Hudson, N.C.), the international prospects bounced back on Saturday with a 6-5 win over Providence High School (Charlotte, N.C.).

Manager Don Mattingly won't say what he's thinking. Joc Pederson, meanwhile, keeps saying all the right things when pressed about his aspirations to be on the team and in the lineup when the season starts after his 30/30 season at Triple-A last year.

A team of international prospects, made up of players from the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Panama, Brazil and Curacao, were defeated by South Caldwell, 8-1, in the first game of the International Prospect Series. They defeated Providence, 6-5, in their second game.

Tyler Wilson got everything he needed out of his first Major League camp, said Orioles manager Buck Showalter, who announced the right-hander had been optioned after he held the Yankees scoreless in Saturday's four-inning start, a 10-2 Baltimore victory.

After winning its first three games of the 2015 USA Baseball National High School Invitational, San Clemente defeated College Park High School (Pleasant Hill, Calif.), 8-3, in Saturday's championship game.

Ken Williams has put forth the following statement concerning the 2015 White Sox somewhere around 10 times since SoxFest: He's about as excited to see this present group play together as any other team with which he's been involved.

The team of prospects from across Latin America competing in the inaugural International Prospect Series at the USA Baseball National Training Complex knew they were in for a memorable experience even before they stepped on the field against North Carolina's South Caldwell High School on Friday afternoon.

The Phillies are giving one more pitching prospect a look before they head to Philadelphia next Thursday. They announced Friday that right-hander Zach Eflin will start Monday afternoon against the Pirates in Bradenton.

Plenty of right-handed pop is starting to percolate through the Mariners' farm system. Seattle has spent its last three first-round picks -- and $10,959,100 -- on righty sluggers Zunino, D.J. Peterson and Alex Jackson.

Kris Bryant did fine in left field on Thursday, showing his baseball acumen when he backed up a play at third, and he also turned a double play in the sixth, getting his first outfield assist since he was 13.

As the quarterfinals of the 2015 USA Baseball National High School Invitational began Thursday afternoon at the USA Baseball National Training Complex, Huntington Beach (Calif.) High School sophomore right-hander Hagen Danner delivered a stellar performance against Puyallup (Wash.) High School on the big stage of Coleman Stadium and the audience of MLB.com.

Prior to Friday's game against the Cardinals, the Nationals announced that they had reassigned six players to Minor League camp: Cutter Dykstra, Emanuel Burriss,Steven Lerud, Kila Ka'aihue, Derrick Robinson and Manny Delcarmen.

The Padres' farm system has taken on a dramatically different look since the club hired A.J. Preller as general manager last August, but San Diego still has talent down on the farm, from top-ranked prospects Hunter Renfroe and catcher Austin Hedges to lower-level talent like Michael Gettys and Nick Torres.

The thunderous cracking noise coming off of Starling Heredia's bat every time he connected on a pitch during batting practice and deposited the ball over the left-field fence was unlike anything heard at the USA Baseball National Training Complex on Thursday afternoon.

Unless there is a dramatic onslaught of injuries to the expected bullpen members, it's doubtful that either Scott Oberg or Ken Roberts will break camp with the club. But each outing is a chance to impress, which could make them candidates for in-season callups.

For Mets prospect Matt Bowman, receiving a last-minute callup for a spot start in Thursday's game was rewarding enough. Doing so against the Nationals, his favorite team since middle school, only added to the experience.

Reds pitching prospect Michael Lorenzen will say that the decision of whether he makes the big league team out of camp is out of his hands, but his performance on Thursday certainly didn't hurt his chances.

Canha returns home with the Athletics. He attended Bellarmine College Prep where he was named the 2007 West Catholic Athletic League MVP. He hit .440 with 11 home runs as a senior. For his career he hit .415 with 23 doubles, three triples and 26 home runs. During his tenure, he was clearly the leader of his team.

From his home in Charlotte, Chris Kemp could -- and did -- cover a lot of ground scouting amateur players for the Rangers. Five months into the job as the Padres' director of international scouting, Kemp has traded those long hours in the car for frequent flyer miles and remote locations.

Bryan Harper, younger brother of Bryce, was up from the Minor League camp for the day to practice with the Nationals. Bryan was listed as one of the team's emergency pitchers for Thursday's game, although he was just happy to get a chance to spend the day in big league camp.

The Red Sox still don't know quite what they have in the player they took in the 23rd round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft. But with linebacker Brandon Magee recently released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they are about to get a much closer look.

With Pablo Sandoval entrenched at third for the Red Sox, the club will have prospect Garin Cecchini move around the diamond at Triple-A. Lefty Henry Owens, ranked fourth by MLB.com among lefty pitching prospects, was reassigned to Minor League camp.

The Reds will admit that the farm system had a stretch when it was thin. There's a feeling now that things are changing for the better. Starting pitching as a strength, and the additions of Anthony DeSclafani -- who's pitched well this spring -- and Jonathon Crawford via trades has bolstered an already good group.

Brendan Rodgers, the consensus No. 1 Draft prospect entering 2015, has held serve and still looks like the favorite to go first overall to the D-backs on June 8. But few of the other highest-rated talents have met expectations so far this year, leaving many more questions than answers at the top of the Draft.

Though it is just four years old, the USA Baseball National High School Invitational has already established its place on the spring calendar. It returns this week as 16 of the best high school teams in the country converge on the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C., for the premier prep tournament.

Carlos Rodon and Brett Austin were roommates and teammates in college, so when they formed the White Sox battery on Wednesday night against the Royals, there was a familiarity that came through in their outstanding performance.

Cubs top prospect Kris Bryant will get to play the outfield on Thursday. Bryant has played third base and was the designated hitter while limited because of fatigue in his right shoulder in Cactus League games so far. He's been doing outfield drills this week with bench coach Dave Martinez, and Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Wednesday that the plan is to have Bryant try left field.

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly sent nothing but relievers to the mound in Wednesday's 9-5 win over the Padres. Yimi Garcia was the flavor of the day in postgame questions to manager Don Mattingly because he hasn't allowed a run in 8 1/3 innings over seven outings with 10 strikeouts and two walks.

Play began Wednesday in the 2015 USA Baseball National High School Invitational at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C. The 16-team single-elimination tournament brings together some of the best high school teams in the country as well as some top prospects for scouts to watch as they prepare for the 2015 First-Year Player Draft.

Every spring Steve Cobb, the director of the Arizona Fall League, travels to Florida and Arizona training camps to present championship rings to the winning team's players and coaches. The most recent celebration honored the members of the Rockies who played on the 2014 Salt River Rafters club, which beat the Peoria Javelinas in November.

The quiet voice of Angel Nesbitt requires some close listening when he talks about his Spring Training, about his rise from Class A Lakeland closer to Tigers breakout relief candidate in less than a year. He's a softer-spoken person than his linebacker-like frame would suggest. Nesbitt has saved his biggest statement for when he takes the mound. In so doing, he has the Tigers' attention.

Mets manager Terry Collins continues to dangle the possibility that Rafael Montero could pitch his way into the starting rotation to open the season. The 24-year-old right-hander continues to do everything he can to keep that possibility alive.

The Rangers debuted several high-upside position players in the Rookie-level Arizona League in 2012. Three years later, third baseman Joey Gallo and outfielders Nomar Mazara and Nick Williams are on the verge of reaching Texas. Outfielder Lewis Brinson is a little further behind but has the best five-tool ceiling of them all.

The first annual International Prospect Series, a joint venture between USA Baseball and Major League Baseball, is presenting the unique opportunity for a team of top international prospects to play two exhibition games against high school teams from North Carolina this week during the National High School Invitational that is being held at the USA Baseball complex in Cary, N.C.

In the past two decades, the Royals have enjoyed just three winning seasons and signed and developed just three pitchers who could manage 10 victories in a single year for Kansas City. Those two developments aren't unrelated, though the future looks brighter in both regards for the defending American League champions.

Kyle Lobstein has secured his standing as the Detroit Tigers' sixth starter. Unfortunately for him, they only need five. Though Lobstein is likely to get another shot in the big leagues when the Tigers need an extra starter, he's headed to Triple-A Toledo for now, optioned out Tuesday along with right-handers Josh Zeid and Alex Wilson. Another pitcher, non-roster invitee Alberto Cabrera, was assigned to Minor League camp, where he'll likely join the trio with the Mud Hens.

Veteran pitchers Bruce Chen, Scott Downs and Shaun Marcum, along with infielder Ryan Rohlinger were told Tuesday they could remain in camp with Cleveland, but that they would not break with the Major League team.

Jose Pirela was lying flat on his back in front of a hushed crowd, staring up at the blue Florida sky, and his thoughts were not with the game or the teammates who had clustered around him on the warning track. Pirela acknowledged that he had been frightened in the moments immediately following a hard collision with the center-field wall against the Mets on Sunday at Tradition Field, and said that he is still experiencing soreness in his neck and his entire back.

Though the Braves entered Spring Training hoping Mike Foltynewicz would begin the season in the rotation, they have been prepared for the possibility that this immensely talented arm would need more seasoning at the Minor League level.

Javier Baez leads the Cubs in strikeouts this spring and is batting less than .150, but if you're only looking at that part of the infielder's game, you're not seeing the whole picture, manager Joe Maddon says.

When Twins right-hander J.R. Graham entered Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays, the Rule 5 pick faced a perilous situation. With the game tied at 1 in the seventh inning, Toronto had the bases loaded with no outs, and lefty Brian Duensing had been forced to exit the game after being hit with a comebacker.

Phillies prospect Severino Gonzalez is listed at 6-foot-1 and 153 pounds. He is so unassuming, he looked like the bat boy as he carried a couple bats and a batting helmet toward the visitors' clubhouse Tuesday at Champion Stadium.

Much like everything else in his first Major League Spring Training, Brian Johnson was unfazed by facing perhaps the most feared hitter in the game. In their first encounter, Johnson induced Giancarlo Stanton into a grounder to short. And in the third inning, the lefty struck out Stanton swinging on a sweet 75-mph curve.

Before Padres general manager A.J. Preller set the baseball world on its collective ear with a series of stunning December trades, acquiring Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Wil Myers and several more, there was Kyle Bartsch.

Left-hander David Rollins -- ranked among Seattle's top prospects -- has slowly forced himself into the Mariners' conversation with his performance as a Rule 5 Draft pick with an increasing chance of beating the odds and landing a spot on the 25-man roster.

Right-hander Alex Gonzalez, the Rangers' No. 1 Draft pick in 2013, had an impressive stay in big league camp. But that stay came to an end on Tuesday when Gonzalez was assigned to Triple-A Round Rock. Gonzalez pitched in four Cactus League games with a 3.95 ERA and an opponents' batting average of .214.

In today's Pipeline Perspectives, Jonathan Mayo and Jim Callis debate which farm system has been the most productive since the end of the 2009 season. Jim's choice was the Nationals, while Jonathan's was the Cardinals. A few other systems deserve some kudos, so Jim ranked them.

Cuban infielder Hector Olivera has agreed to a $62.5 million deal with the Dodgers, according to an industry source. The club has not confirmed the agreement, which includes a $28 million signing bonus.

The 24-year-old Eddie Butler has time to further develop an arsenal that already includes a mid- to high 90s fastball, an effective changeup, a slider and a little-used curveball. In order to advance with success, he must execute pitches.

The Nationals' farm system has had a fabulous five-year run, not to mention an impressive display of trading acumen by general manager Mike Rizzo. It already has resulted in two division titles and has helped make the Nationals one of the current favorites to win this year's World Series.

It's not unusual for a front office to have to get used to new personnel over the course of Spring Training. In the case of the new regime running the Arizona Diamondbacks, it's a top-to-bottom orientation.

Without the benefit of drafting near the top of the first round for years, the Cardinals have been annual playoff participants for the past four seasons, making it at least to the National League Championship Series each time with typically the most homegrown roster of all the playoff teams.

With ace Johnny Cueto still at home tending to family issues and the Reds looking at an open spot due to his absence, the club will turn to prospect Michael Lorenzen to start against the Indians on Thursday at 4:05 p.m. ET. There is no known scheduled return date for Cueto, manager Bryan Price said.

Third baseman Drew Ward, the eighth-ranked prospect in the Nationals' organization according to MLB.com, received quite the shock when he was told Sunday that he was leaving the Minor League side for a day to play with the big league team on Monday. Ward went 1-for-2 with an infield single in a 7-6 victory over the Yankees.

In 98 professional outings, Royals left-hander Brian Flynn has been a reliever exactly once, and that came last year in a brief stint with the Marlins. But Flynn is now trying to prove to the Royals that his greatest value to the team is out of the bullpen. Flynn is making a strong case, to say the least.

Rockies right-handed pitching prospect Eddie Butler's increased maturity was one reason the club felt comfortable releasing Jhoulys Chacin. But Butler will not go as far as to attach his development to Chacin's departure.

The decision to release Jhoulys Chacin was based on righty prospects Jon Gray and Eddie Butler -- and other young pitchers such as Christian Bergman and David Hale -- displaying that they could be ready to make an impact.

The Los Angeles Dodgers will have a new look this coming season. Dee Gordon, Hanley Ramirez and Matt Kemp are among the high-profile players who have found new homes. With the transition comes opportunity, and outfielder Joc Pederson could be among the beneficiaries.

Respected national columnist Peter Gammons wrote recently that D-backs manager Chip Hale "has made it clear" that Nick Ahmed is the starting shortstop. Hale, though, stopped short of confirming that when quizzed by reporters Monday morning.

Following four years, eight months and eight days as an active officer, and another two trying to rediscover himself in the Minors, Lieutenant Mitchell Andrew Harris finds himself on the cusp of becoming the first graduate of the Naval Academy in 94 years -- and only the second ever -- to appear in a Major League Baseball game.

Royals right-hander Christian Binford throws strikes -- not just strike one, either. He is around the plate, gets great movement and sink on his pitches and he induces swings and misses as well as lots of ground balls. He doesn't have overpowering stuff, but the 22-year-old's command and control are superb.

Spring Training will be an outstanding evaluation time for several Blue Jays prospects on the cusp of making the Major League roster. The club has several Major League ready pitchers and players that can really make an impact on their upcoming season.

Brewers farm director Reid Nichols was watching a group of teenagers playing in an intrasquad game, and he had to admit, he liked what he was seeing. Getting to see high-end talent, especially those acquired via the 2014 Draft and July international signing period, together for the first time, could make anyone feel good about the organization's future.

The battle for the fifth spot in the Astros' starting rotation is a three-man race after right-hander Dan Straily, brought to Houston in a trade with the Cubs in January, was among three players sent down from Major League camp on Monday morning.

Jon Gray and Eddie Butler, two prime pitching prospects in the Rockies system, have pitched so well this spring that the biggest question is when they might get an opportunity to prove themselves at the big league level.

The infielder the A's acquired in the trade that sent notorious talker Brandon Moss to Cleveland could not be heard as loudly in Oakland's clubhouse this spring, but Joey Wendle let his performance do the talking.

The Royals made a round of nine roster cuts after Sunday's 4-2 victory over a Giants split-squad at Surprise Stadium, and the biggest name was left-hander Brandon Finnegan, who was optioned to Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

Kik&#233; Hernandez has homered in each of the last three games, but the Dodgers are more impressed that he's started at four positions this spring -- second base, shortstop, third base and center field.

Steven Moya's Spring Training never developed like he'd hoped. It still hasn't dampened his hopes to getting back to Detroit. "You'll see me again," he told reporters on their way out Sunday after the Tigers optioned their slugging top prospect to Triple-A Toledo.

D-backs prospect Peter O'Brien was among the seven players reassigned to Minor League camp Sunday. From the start, O'Brien was a long shot to make the roster, and his departure left four catchers in camp -- Tuffy Gosewisch, Gerald Laird, Blake Lalli and Jordan Pacheco.

It appears to be a matter of when, not if, reliever Jairo Diaz will pitch in the big leagues for the Rockies this season. "A big-time arm," manager Walt Weiss said. "His stuff certainly plays in this league."

Michael Taylor, the Nationals' No. 2 prospect, hit two home runs as part of a three-homer barrage from Washington batters off Justin Verlander, building an early lead until Joey Pankake's ninth-inning homer forged a 7-7 tie with the Tigers on Sunday at Joker Marchant Stadium.

Jesus Aguilar went 0-for-15 in Cactus League play last spring. At the start of Spring Training this year, Indians manager Terry Francona met with Aguilar and the message was that the team wanted to see him relax.

Carlos Rodon could help the White Sox out of the bullpen during the 2015 season. Manager Robin Ventura believes the third overall pick in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft has the stuff to be able to work effectively in that area.

The Rockies optioned right-hander Chad Bettis, left-hander Chris Rusin and first baseman Ben Paulsen to Minor League camp Sunday. Bettis, who pitched out of the bullpen last year, has remade himself into a starter and will continue to pitch in that role.

Yankees center fielder Jose Pirela was carted off after he crashed into the center-field wall during the first inning of Sunday's game against the Mets at Tradition Field. Pirela collided with the wall while chasing a ball hit by Juan Lagares from Yankees starter CC Sabathia that resulted in an inside-the-park home run.

The Blue Jays reassigned catcher Sean Ochinko to Minor League camp on Sunday in the latest round of cuts. Toronto has 44 players remaining in the Major League portion of Spring Training. That number includes 21 pitchers, three catchers, 12 infielders and eight outfielders.

Normally, Casey Kelly would be all about a nice, orderly and very efficient inning of work. But 10 months removed from pitching in any kind of game, Kelly wouldn't have minded if his inning on Saturday against the D-backs consisted of more than the seven pitches it took to get three outs.

Prior to to Saturday's 7-5 win over the Padres, Arizona manager Chip Hale expressed an interest in seeing how starter Archie Bradley would fare against a lineup populated entirely by Major Leaguers. Bradley, touting an improved breaking ball, cruised through four innings, his longest outing of the spring.

Mets left-hander Steven Matz was optioned to Minor League camp following his start on Saturday, marking the second straight day that one of the club's top prospects has been optioned out of big league camp.

Rangers manager Jeff Banister said circumstances dictated prospect Nomar Mazara getting two consecutive starts and the outfielder is not being evaluated for the possibility of making the Opening Day roster.

In his brief time with the Reds organization, prospect Michael Lorenzen has certainly shown he knows how to pitch. This spring as he has put himself into contention for a 25-man roster spot, Lorenzen has also shown he knows how to make adjustments and take advice on how to get even better.

Scott Snodgress transitioned to the bullpen upon being moved to Triple-A and the Angels were immediately intrigued. They noticed how the fastball velocity jumped to 95 mph, how good it looked coming out of a 6-foot-6 frame and how much more effective Snodgress could be if he only had to focus on two pitches.

The Giants on Friday sent four players who could rejoin them sooner or later to Minor League camp. The club optioned right-handers Chris Heston and Cody Hall and outfielder Jarett Parker to Triple-A Sacramento, besides reassigning infielder Mitch Delfino to Minor League camp.

The Reds made three more spring roster moves Friday, which left them with 42 players in camp. Outfielder Kyle Waldrop and right-handed pitchers Keyvius Sampson and Matt Magill were optioned to Triple-A Louisville.

The Mariners drafted Alex Jackson with the sixth overall pick in the first round last June because they loved his right-handed power potential. And the 19-year-old out of San Diego put that on display Friday with a towering home run to the opposite field in a late-inning stint in Seattle's 4-4 tie with Texas in Cactus League play.

On Friday morning, Erik Gonzalez was optioned to Double-A Akron as part of the latest round of Spring Training roster reductions. The the Indians also optioned outfielder Carlos Moncrief to Triple-A Columbus and reassigned outfielder James Ramsey and lefty Nick Maronde to Minor League camp.

The MLBPipeline.com staff ranked the top 10 farm systems in the game by considering which organizations have an abundance of elite-level prospect talent as well as depth, in terms of future big leaguers up and down the system. The Cubs came out on top, followed by the Red Sox, Twins, Pirates and Mets.

The Cubs top MLBPipeline.com's first-ever ranking of baseball's best farm systems, thanks to the finest collection of young hitting talent to come along in years. Javier Baez and Arismendy Alcantara graduated to Wrigley Field in 2014, and they're just the beginning.

What's more impressive? That the Red Sox graduated Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Christian Vazquez to the big leagues in 2014? Or that they have baseball's No. 2 farm system without those players and trade chips Anthony Ranaudo and Allen Webster?

Outfielder Socrates Brito, infielder Brandon Drury and left-handed pitcher Will Locante were all optioned to Double-A Mobile and sent to the Minor League camp, D-backs general manager Dave Stewart announced Friday.

James Jones and Stefen Romero, two young outfielders who saw considerable playing time for the Mariners last season, were among 11 players sent to Minor League camp on Friday as the club continued getting closer to its final 25-man roster.

Sure, you hear about Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano all the time. But what about the two 24-year-olds in Twins camp who have already arrived? Neither Kennys Vargas nor Danny Santana were ever ranked among the Top 100 prospects. Yet when they arrived at Target Field last year -- Santana in May and Vargas in August -- they didn't skip a beat.

Astros manager A.J. Hinch would like to start using his regular lineup more frequently, and that was part of the reason the team made seven roster moves Friday, trimming it down to 44 players. Right-hander Alex White, who entered camp as one of the candidates for the starting rotation, was optioned to Minor League camp.

Every Spring Training, prospects get a chance to show what they can do as they prepare for the season ahead. Some are competing for jobs in big league camp, while others are prepping for the season as they vie for spots at Minor League affiliates throughout the team's system. MLBPipeline.com is visiting all 30 camps this spring. Today, we check in on the New York Mets.

Taijuan Walker doesn't have a spot sewn up in the Mariners' rotation, but he certainly is making a strong case for his inclusion. Walker threw four more scoreless innings in Thursday's 5-2 victory over the Indians, giving him a dozen shutout frames in four Cactus League starts.

There's a new king in town, at least as far as the Pirates' farm system is concerned. Last year's No. 1 prospect, Gregory Polanco, has graduated to the big leagues. No. 2 prospect Jameson Taillon missed all of 2014 following Tommy John surgery, so he wasn't going to ascend to the top spot. Up stepped big right-hander Tyler Glasnow, who led the organization in ERA, strikeouts and batting average against, further cementing himself as one of the top pitching prospects in the game.

Yarbrough ranks 14th in the Angels' system, according to MLB.com. He's expected to spend the 2015 season playing full-time second base again, but the Angels have been getting him a lot of work at third base this spring.

Kris Bryant tested his right shoulder by throwing on Thursday and Cubs manager Joe Maddon said the third baseman was "all smiles." The shoulder definitely isn't affecting the top prospect's hitting, as his seventh spring homer came in a "B" game against the Angels.

There will be no Kris Bryant controversy in Phillies camp this spring. Infielder Maikel Franco is ranked No. 3 among the organization's top prospects, and the past two springs he entered camp with an opportunity to push third baseman Cody Asche for a job.

Jose Pirela has enjoyed a solid spring for the Yankees, showcasing his live bat and the ability to play several positions, but manager Joe Girardi is not able to promise there will be a spot for him on the Opening Day roster.

The D-backs signed Yasmany Tomas to a six-year, $68.5 million deal in the offseason -- the biggest annual average value ever for a Cuban player -- and he was invited to big league camp with lots of hype about his potential to go directly to the big leagues. Do they or don't they?

Nationals manager Matt Williams announced his latest round of roster moves after the Nationals finished a 10-inning scoreless tie with the Tigers on Thursday. The Nationals optioned left-hander Matt Grace and catcher Dan Butler to Triple-A Syracuse and sent infielder Wilmer Difo to Class A Potomac.

Notre Dame forward Pat Connaughton isn't the only top-flight baseball prospect who once excelled on the hardwood. The Reds' No. 6 prospect, Amir Garrett, also attempted to play pro ball while continuing to play college hoops. With a nod to March Madness, we look at who would join Garrett and Connaughton on an All-Prospect basketball team.

Selecting Carlos Rodon at No. 3 overall in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft gave the White Sox a potentially elite hurler who just might help Chicago as early as the beginning of this season. With the eighth pick in '15, the club believes it can get the same sort of high-end performer.

In two days since comments by manager Brad Ausmus seemed to indicate Tyler Collins was ticketed for Triple-A to start the season, the outfielder has homered, picked up an outfield assist and tallied an RBI single.

Having already created the assumption that he would be best off beginning the season with Triple-A Gwinnett, Mike Foltynewicz took the mound at Champion Stadium on Wednesday night and pitched like a young man determined to prove he is ready for the Major League level.

This is the progression of March 2015 on the topic of who might be the starting center fielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers: 1. The rookie, Joc Pederson, could start. 2. The rookie should start. 3. How can anybody possibly keep the rookie from starting?

Any system with Byron Buxton is going to stand out. Yes, the multitooled outfielder has had some issues with injuries, but he still has the best all-around package of skills in the Minor Leagues. The Twins organization, of course, goes well beyond the center fielder; otherwise, its system wouldn't be ranked as the third best in baseball.

Spring Training games continue in Florida and Arizona on Thursday, when the reigning World Series champs will look to turn things around after an off-day, a former ERA champion will continue his comeback from injury and plenty of talented young arms will be on the hill.

Chris Coghlan slugged a two-run homer and Albert Almora doubled twice as the Cubs roughed up Brandon McCarthy on Wednesday for a 7-5 win over the Dodgers, despite three hits and three RBIs from rookie Joc Pederson.

The Rangers were ravaged by injuries last year, losing 95 games in their worst season since 1985. That was a stunning reversal for a team coming off four straight 90-win seasons, but Texas remained strong in one regard: It still has one of the strongest farm systems in the game -- literally and figuratively.

The White Sox reassigned 13 of the players in their Spring Training camp on Wednesday, leaving 51 players with the parent club. Five of the players were optioned to Triple-A Charlotte, two were optioned to Double-A Birmingham and the rest were reassigned to Minor League camp.

When Jorge Alfaro was 14, it was obvious that he had a future in baseball. But it was also obvious that an isolated region of Colombia was not the place to be if you wanted to reach the Major Leagues. The answer was the Dominican Republic.

The Nationals released infielder/outfielder Jeff Kobernus on Tuesday evening. The news comes less than a week after the team sent him to Minor League camp. The Nationals saw him more as an outfielder than as a second baseman.

After pitching two scoreless innings in each of his first two Cactus League appearances, Taylor Jungmann wasn't very effective for a split squad against Texas, allowing seven earned runs on three hits and four walks in one-third of an inning.

White Sox right-hander Tyler Danish could miss up to a week with a bruised right triceps, but tests revealed no structural damage to his throwing arm and elbow after he was struck by a line drive on Monday.

Indians manager Terry Francona did not have the chance to see as much of third-base prospect Giovanny Urshela as he hoped this spring thanks to a back issue, and he was among 10 players shipped to Minor League camp on Tuesday.

The Mets optioned infielder Dilson Herrera to Minor League camp on Tuesday in their second round of cuts, reducing the number of players in big league camp to 47. In addition to Herrera, the team optioned infielder Wilfredo Tovar and right-handed pitchers Hansel Robles and Gabriel Ynoa, and reassigned right-handers Matt Bowman, Tyler Pill and Cody Satterwhite.

Several players in the Blue Jays' system broke out in 2014, bringing a new look to their Top Prospects list. Left-hander Daniel Norris and centre fielder Dalton Pompey rocketed all the way from Class A Advanced Dunedin to the Major Leagues in the span of five months, and they take over the top spots in the rankings as a result.

As Braves president of baseball operations John Hart worked to retool the Major League roster this offseason, he also dramatically reshaped the farm system. In a slew of trades since Hart was hired in October, the Braves acquired 11 players who now rank among their Top 30 Prospects.

The competition for an opening on the Cardinals' bench has been reduced by one as infielder Greg Garcia was among the latest wave of players cut from Major League camp on Tuesday. He and lefty Tyler Lyons were optioned to Triple-A Memphis. The Cards also reassigned catcher Carson Kelly and infielder Breyvic Valera to the Minors.

The Giants' Cactus League encounter Monday with the Cincinnati Reds did not represent an audition for Chris Stratton or Kyle Crick, though observers with active imaginations may have interpreted it as such.

The Rockies optioned left-handed pitcher and 2011 first-round Draft pick Tyler Anderson to Minor League camp Monday. With Anderson not appearing in games because he continues to rehab a stress fracture in his throwing elbow, the move was expected.

White Sox right-hander Tyler Danish was removed from Monday's 6-2 loss against the D-backs after being struck by a sharp line drive in his throwing arm. He sustained a bruised right triceps and was taken for an MRI, though the club doesn't expect it to reveal anything serious.

Off the bat, Francisco Lindor thought he had a home run on Sunday afternoon. The Indians top prospect was not wrong, but the manner in which he collected his first long ball of the spring was entirely different than anticipated.

Every Spring Training, prospects get a chance to show what they can do as they prepare for the season ahead. Some are competing for jobs in big league camp, while others are prepping for the season as they vie for spots at Minor League affiliates throughout the team's system. MLBPipeline.com is visiting all 30 camps this spring. Today, we check in on the Miami Marlins.

The Padres made six roster moves on Monday, trimming their Major League Spring Training roster to 54. Right-handed pitcher Tayron Guerrero was optioned to Double-A San Antonio, infielder Taylor Lindsey was optioned to Triple-A El Paso and four were reassigned to Minor League camp: right-handed pitchers Justin Hancock and Aaron Northcraft, outfielder Hunter Renfroe and catcher Griff Erickson.

As Tyrell Jenkins progressed through his first big league Spring Training, he showed why some scouts believe that he might end up being the most valuable portion of the return the Braves gained from the Cardinals in exchange for Jason Heyward.

The Astros sent six players to Minor League camp on Monday, including two of the organization's top 10 prospects in Michael Feliz and Vincent Velasquez, as they optioned the two right-handers as well as infielder Ronald Torreyes. They also reassigned right-handers Brady Rodgers and Jordan Jankowski and infielder Joe Sclafani.

Being a high Draft pick brings with it a certain set of expectations. Add in being installed as your organization's No. 1 prospect, and people might be disappointed with anything less than superstardom. Outfielder Alex Jackson, the Mariners' top pick (taken No. 6 overall) in the 2014 Draft is one of three members of the Class of 2014 to be the No. 1 picks in their organizations.

The dramatic changes the A's made to their Major League roster in the past year have also reshaped their farm system. The top three players on this list a year ago have been traded away. That hole was filled this winter when the A's acquired seven players now ranked among their top 15 prospects.

Several trades in the past year have brought a new look to the Angels' Top Prospects list, especially at the top. Left-hander Andrew Heaney had been the Marlins' top prospect until he was dealt first to the Dodgers and then to the Angels in two trades during the Winter Meetings.

The D-backs made eight roster moves Sunday, leaving them with 55 players in Major League camp. Right-handers Blake Beavan, Aaron Blair, Tim Crabbe and Braden Shipley along with left-hander Justin Marks and catchers Matt Pagnozzi and Mark Thomas were reassigned to Minor League camp. Additionally, the club released outfielder Ben Francisco.

This Spring Training seems to have verified all the things we thought we knew about Cubs rookie third baseman Kris Bryant. That is, he's on his way to becoming baseball's next great player. Sometimes, the bottom line couldn't be simpler.

Francelis Montas touched 98 mph with his fastball during a Cactus League start against the Rangers in Surprise on Thursday and has been known to hit 100 mph. But Montas wants to be more than just a hard thrower. He wants to be able to locate consistently and fill up the strike zone.

The Red Sox aren't going to trade touted catching prospect Blake Swihart. Not to the Phillies, not to anybody. No way. What part of no don't you understand? Forget about it. He's not going to be moved. Unless, of course, he is.

Mark Appel, the top pick in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft, will make his first start in Grapefruit League action on Monday when he gets the ball for the Astros' split-squad team that will travel to Viera, Fla., to face the Nationals at 12:05 p.m. CT (watch the game on MLB.TV).

Starting next week, the Royals will begin an effort to stretch Brandon Finnegan out in games, just in case he opens the season at Triple-A Omaha as a starter rather than as a bullpen member on the Royals' 25-man roster.

Patrick Kivlehan, the Mariners No. 6 prospect according to MLB.com, has played in the outfield as well as at first and third base this spring. The 25-year old is hoping his ability to play all over the diamond will help him reach the Majors quicker.

Prized pitching prospect Sean Newcomb was among seven Angels cuts on Sunday morning, which was no surprise. The 21-year-old left-hander is nine months removed from pitching in college and entered Major League camp with only six starts on his professional resume.

The Nationals made another round of cuts on Sunday. They optioned right-hander Taylor Hill to Triple-A Syracuse and reassigned right-handers Eric Fornataro, Mitch Lively and Scott McGregor to Minor League camp.

With prized catching prospect Blake Swihart having made the trip to Clearwater with the Red Sox on Sunday for their afternoon contest against the Phillies, Boston manager John Farrell didn't even wait for the first question as he opened his morning news conference. Farrell said that Swihart is not being showcased for a potential trade.

The Yankees made their first round of Spring Training roster cuts before Sunday's game against the Phillies at George M. Steinbrenner Field, reassigning top prospect Luis Severino and six others to Minor League camp.

As one of the more thoughtful players on the team, Astros pitcher Mark Appel has started a blog to share more of his feeling with fans. On Saturday, Appel introduced himself to readers with his first post on "First Round Reflections."

Micah Johnson grew up in Indianapolis but somehow managed to avoid catching hoops hysteria, the state's sport of choice. His focus was always on baseball, on honing his natural tools and riding them eventually to the top of the mountain: the Major Leagues.

At this stage of Spring Training, it was an easy decision for the Marlins to send down promising pitching prospect Jose Urena. But the way the 23-year-old is progressing, it's only a matter of time before he becomes a fixture on their staff.

Outfielder Delino DeShields, a Rule 5 Draft pick from the Astros, is day to day with what is being described as mild right hamstring strain. He had to come out of Friday's 3-0 win over the Giants after going 2-for-3 at the plate. DeShields reached on a bunt single and a double.

A long journey has finally brought Roberto Baldoquin, potentially the Angels' shortstop of the future, at Spring Training, and the 20-year-old is already thinking about winning a World Series with the Halos.

Right-hander Patrick Connaughton, ranked the Orioles' ninth-best prospect by MLB.com, is the leading rebounder and second top scorer for No. 11-ranked Notre Dame. Connaughton has chance to become the 13th athlete in history to play professional basketball and Major League Baseball.

Top-ranked prospect Tyler Glasnow was one of five players reassigned to the Minor League camp on Saturday in the Pirates' first camp cuts of Spring Training. Also sent to Pirate City were fellow pitchers Wilfredo Boscan, Adrian Sampson and Angel Sanchez, and outfielder Keon Broxton.

The Giants may not get much more homegrown help beyond some relievers in the next couple of seasons. The organization's knack for developing pitchers is reflected in the fact that 12 of their 16 best prospects do their work on the mound.

Reliever Josh Ravin struck out the only two batters he faced Thursday night, and almost nobody noticed. That's because Ravin had just become the answer to the baseball trivia question: Who relieved Will Ferrell?

Angels prized pitching prospect Sean Newcomb gave up a couple of runs and recorded only a couple of outs in his first and perhaps only Cactus League start on Thursday, but he topped out at 95 mph, shattered a handful of bats and learned something about how his stuff plays against Major League hitters.

Although the Mets reassigned outfielder Brandon Nimmo, along with shortstop Gavin Cecchini and catcher Xorge Carrillo, to Minor League camp Friday in their first round of big league cuts, Nimmo is confident he will be back before long.

The sound of camera shutters clicking began as soon as Yoan Moncada opened the front door to the media interview room at JetBlue Park. It reached a crescendo when he plopped down in the middle seat on the dais in front of the assembled press.

Given that they have spent the past week making it apparent that Jose Peraza essentially has no shot to be on the Opening Day roster, the Braves might wish they had not gone through the offseason hinting they were at least open to the idea.

As Braves top pitching prospect Mike Foltynewicz has created more reason to believe he needs more seasoning at the Minor League level, darkhorse candidate Cody Martin has taken advantage of the chance to add further intrigue to the battle for Atlanta's final two rotation spots.

When Mike Foltynewicz reached his pitch limit with the bases loaded and two outs in the second inning of last weekend's game against the Mets in Port St. Lucie, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez called Aaron Kurcz out of the bullpen. Gonzalez got a good feeling when he handed the baseball to the 5-foot-10, 170-pound right-hander.

In a perfect world, Yasmany Tomas' transition to third will be smooth and the 24-year-old Cuban will start for the D-backs on Opening Day. However, Tomas has struggled with consistency early in spring and may need some more time to learn the position, presumably opening the door for Jake Lamb.

The Royals are continuing on the same plan they mapped out for Brandon Finnegan before camp even started, and he may be stretched out to three innings of relief work if the Royals want to option him to Triple-A Omaha as a starter instead of carrying him on the Royals' 25-man roster when the season opens in April.

It's hard to have a better Spring Training, both offensively and defensively, than the one Brandon Drury is having. Drury, the D-backs' No. 7 prospect according to MLB.com, hit .299 with 23 home runs and 95 RBIs in 136 Minor League games last season, and he opened his spring by hitting .467 over his first nine Cactus League games.

Andrew Chafin had his first bite of the steak late in the 2014 season, and now he's hungry for more. Although Chafin's stint in the Majors was brief -- he appeared in just three games for the 2014 D-backs -- it gave the lefty -- ranked No. 29 on the club's prospect list, per MLB.com -- a glimpse of life as a Major Leaguer.

Outfielder Eddie Rosario and middle infielder Jorge Polanco have both impressed early in camp, as they're both off to hot starts offensively, while Molitor also believes Polanco's defense has improved at shortstop.

Every Spring Training, prospects get a chance to show what they can do as they prepare for the season ahead. Some are competing for jobs in big league camp, while others are prepping for the season as they vie for spots at Minor League affiliates throughout the team's system. MLBPipeline.com is visiting all 30 camps this spring. Today, we check in on the Houston Astros.

At the start of the 2014 season, Arizona had a pretty good farm system, thanks largely to one of the best trios of right-handers in Archie Bradley, Braden Shipley and Aaron Blair. The three are still atop the D-backs' Top 30, in three out of the top four spots, and they are also on the Top 100 overall list.

While the 2014 season didn't go quite as smoothly as hoped for hard-throwing right-handers Jon Gray and Eddie Butler, it didn't change things one iota at the top of the Rockies' 2015 Top Prospects list. Gray and Butler are still ranked first and second, and both are among the top 40 prospects on the Top 100.

When Jacob Lindgren was selected by the Yankees in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft, it was suggested that he could jump to the big leagues quickly. That commentary proved prescient, as Lindgren saw his fastball-slider combination translate into immediate strikeouts in the Yankees' system, and a call to the Bronx seems to be in Lindgren's future.

The Tigers may not have the strongest farm system, but they have been able to turn prospects into big league pieces, some of whom helped them win their fourth straight American League Central title in 2014, some of whom they will count on to help them try to extend the streak to five this year.

A's infield prospect Rangel Ravelo will undergo right wrist surgery on Friday, according to manager Bob Melvin. Ravelo, ranked as the club's No. 19 prospect after arriving from the White Sox in the Jeff Samardzija deal, played in one game for the A's this spring.

When Nick Kingham first took the mound for the Pirates on Saturday, he was impressive. When the 23-year-old right-hander followed that up with two more perfect innings Thursday against the Red Sox, he was both impressive and heartening.

Entering the 2012 season, the White Sox had a thin farm system that was ranked as baseball's worst by Baseball America and ESPN. Fast forward to '15, and Chicago's system is in better shape than it has been in a decade.

Rookie catcher Jorge Alfaro had a double and a triple as the Rangers won for the fifth time in seven games by beating the White Sox, 7-3, at Surprise Stadium on Thursday. Adrian Beltre added his first spring homer, and the Rangers dealt with Anthony Ranaudo's arm discomfort.

About an hour after Steven Matz finished pitching against the Nationals, enduring some hiccups but also showcasing his 97-mph heat and power curve, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson called it "extraordinarily unlikely" and "highly improbable" that Matz will make the Opening Day roster as a left-handed reliever.

Of the nine position players who filled out manager John Farrell's Red Sox lineup on Thursday, catcher Blake Swihart was the only one who has never taken an at-bat in a Major League game. But that is likely to change soon.

Astros pitching prospect Vincent Velasquez began his throwing program Thursday after sitting out the first three weeks of camp with a strained right lat, an injury suffered while playing in the Arizona Fall League on Nov. 4.

A.J. Cole would likely be pushing for a spot in the Major League rotation with most teams, however, the Nationals are not most teams. Washington has a plethora of starting pitching with six proven Major League starters, leaving Cole likely destined to begin the season in Triple-A.

Yordano Ventura could be just the first of a wave of pitchers about to crash on Kansas City. Four of the organization's top five prospects are starters who could join the big league rotation by the end of 2016.

Spring Training stats aren't the most important thing in the world, but there is one column in the box score that Jon Gray will keep his eyes on. "I plan on not giving up a single run," the right-hander said. "That's a small goal for me. I want to stand out in camp."

Not so long ago, the Indians' Top Prospects list was heavily populated by players who arrived in the organization from trades. But this year's rankings include only one player who wasn't drafted or signed as an amateur by the organization.

The Nationals, with their veteran-heavy roster and lofty expectations for 2015, would appear to have fewer opportunities for their prospects entering the season. But the farm system keeps humming along, ready to send players to the Major League team when needed, both this year and into the future.

Danny Hultzen did not get a free pass in his first game action in 18 months, having to face Rockies superstar Troy Tulowitzki for his first batter Wednesday. After walking Tulowitzki, the left-hander gained his composure to record a scoreless inning.

A year ago, Robert Stephenson stood atop the Reds' top prospects list, followed by a talented young outfielder. It's the same deal in 2015, with Stephenson at No. 1 and an outfielder following close behind. But Billy Hamilton has been replaced by the sweet-swinging Jesse Winker, who moves up from No. 4 a year ago.

As Braves front-office members and coaches repeatedly talked about Jace Peterson during the early days of Spring Training, it became apparent that the versatile infielder would likely gain a spot on the Opening Day roster.

It's been almost a year since Pirates pitching prospect Jameson Taillon last stared down the mound and threw to a hitter. It was a long year of recovery and rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, but he's nearing a major milestone and another new challenge.

Marco Gonzales improved his bid to earn a spot on St. Louis' pitching staff, and Yadier Molina helped the Cardinals produce a pair of big innings during a 6-2 win over the Braves at Champion Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

One of the first things Dexter Fowler did when he arrived at the Cubs complex Wednesday was to take a selfie with Jorge Soler, Javier Baez and Kris Bryant, a day after their back-to-back-to-back home runs.

The competition for the White Sox starting second-base job stands as a battle among friends. But for Micah Johnson, Carlos Sanchez, Gordon Beckham and Emilio Bonifacio, the concern has to be placed upon on what they are doing and not what anyone else is accomplishing with three weeks left in Spring Training.

Carlos Rodon understands that his Cactus League job is to pitch and not worry about how he fits in the White Sox starting five or pitching staff overall coming out of Spring Training, even with the team announcing Wednesday that Chris Sale will not be ready for Opening Day.

St. Louis' well of Minor League talent doesn't run as deep as it did a few years ago, and Stephen Piscotty (No. 90) is the organization's lone representative on MLBPipeline.com's Top 100 Prospect list. The Cardinals are in the process of replenishing their system, though, and there already are encouraging signs.

Minor League camp has opened for the Marlins, and one of the big attractions on the back fields at the Roger Dean Stadium complex is Tyler Kolek, the second overall pick in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft who once threw 102 mph in high school. The big right-hander from tiny Shepherd, Texas, threw off the mound on Wednesday. He impressed.

Dodgers prospect Darnell Sweeney is looking to help replace Dee Gordon on the roster, but although the 24-year-old has good speed, his raw running ability falls short for first-base coach Davey Lopes' prestigious "Ferrari speed" category.

At the top of the Brewers 2015 Top 30 Prospects list are two longer-standing Milwaukee prospects, both with considerable upside themselves. Shortstop Orlando Arcia is the lone representative on the Top 100 prospects list, but it wouldn't surprise many to see outfielder Tyrone Taylor join him at some point in the future.

The results of an offseason of change in Tampa Bay can be seen on the club's top prospects list. A host of trades brought a new wave of talent into the organization this winter, and eight players in this year's rankings came to the Rays in those deals.

Last year, C.J. Edwards admitted he was nervous when he made his first Spring Training start late in March. It was a different situation on Monday in the Cubs prospect's first Cactus League appearance.

Corey Seager has heard the comparison with Cal Ripken because of his body type, but he hasn't tried to copy the Hall of Famer. Seager's role model has been brother Kyle, the third baseman of the Mariners.

New names have emerged on the Yankees' Top 30 Prospects list. Right-hander Luis Severino and shortstop Jorge Mateo highlight the Yankees' aggressive pursuit of talent in Latin America, while first-round picks Aaron Judge, Ian Clarkin and Eric Jagielo all came from what could be a very productive 2013 First-Year Player Draft.

Reds outfield prospect Jesse Winker had just wrapped up his batting-practice session Monday morning and was putting his bat in a bag and packing up his stuff. Veteran first baseman Joey Votto made a point to walk up to the 21-year-old and offer him a fist bump of encouragement.

Taylor Williams was sent to the Brewers' Minor League camp on Tuesday, but the right-hander made quite an impression during his time on the big league side, drawing multiple comparisons to Braves All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel.

The Braves have seen enough from Jose Peraza to know he could begin his reign as their second baseman and leadoff hitter at some point this season. But over the next few weeks, the club wants to enhance the top prospect's Major League credentials by getting a feel for how versatile he might be.

If there's one certainty about the Orioles' farm system, it's that it is fed largely through the First-Year Player Draft. A total of 27 of the Orioles' Top 30 prospects were initially drafted by the organization over the past several years. The list, once again, is topped by a former first-round pick.

Astros top pitching prospect Mark Appel (right forearm tighness) will throw at least one time in the bullpen in the next couple of days before getting back on the mound in a Grapefruit League game, manager A.J. Hinch said on Tuesday.

Reds prospect Tanner Rahier was arrested Saturday in Glendale, Ariz., on suspicion of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and assault with intent to injure. He has since been released from custody.

Alex Colome finally arrived at Rays camp on Tuesday, a little over two weeks later than expected due to visa problems. Colome, who is out of options and is competing for the fifth spot in the rotation, expressed frustration about the delay.

Some of the top prospects of Major League Baseball are about ready to ripen, and when that happens, ballyhooed big league debuts can't be too far behind. We've been hearing a lot about a select group of super-talented youngsters over the last few years while they've cut their teeth in the Minors. Let's take a look at five who could make it to The Show at some point in 2015.

Though the Braves have maintained regular contact with Hector Olivera over the past few months, the likelihood of the Cuban player landing with Atlanta hinges on the direction his currently uncertain market goes.

As always, the Nationals' top prospects list has undergone some changes in the past year, but the name at the top remains the same. Right-hander Lucas Giolito only strengthened his reputation in 2014 as he excelled during his first full season following Tommy John surgery.

Starting with last June's Draft and continuing into the offseason, the Phillies have acquired a significant amount of young talent in the past eight months, which is reflected in their new Top 30 Prospects list. J.P. Crawford tops the list, which includes five pitchers in the top 10 that weren't a part of the organization at the start of last season.

Though not necessarily in the race for an Opening Day rotation spot, lefty Tyler Lyons remains a part of the starting depth the Cardinals often cite when asked about contingency plans. Lyons has made spot starts for the club each of the past two seasons and will likely be waiting in Triple-A again for such a call.

A flurry of trades that began in July and continued into the offseason has given the Marlins Top 30 Prospects list a new look. Half of the players who began last season ranked in the top 10 have been traded, including the top three players on the 2014 list -- left-hander Andrew Heaney, third baseman Colin Moran and outfielder Jake Marisnick.

While Matt Barnes projects as a front-line starter at Triple-A Pawtucket to start the season, the power righty continues to give the Red Sox something to think about with the way he is throwing in Spring Training.

Trayce Thompson remains a talented prospect in the White Sox organization, but the young outfielder admits to losing his focus during games and at-bats. His primary goal this season is to not allow that to happen.

In and around shoulder injuries, Rockies righty prospect Eddie Butler started three games in 2014. The first and last were against the Dodgers and they didn't go well, as evidenced by an 0-1 record and a 9.90 ERA. So even though it's early Spring Training, his start Tuesday against the Dodgers -- and reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw -- has meaning.

Infectious by nature, it seemed like Garin Cecchini had his disposition tested this winter when the Red Sox signed free agent Pablo Sandoval to a five-year deal that includes a club option for 2020. There went the possibility that Cecchini could be the third baseman of the future in Boston.

The Padres reassigned shortstop Trea Turner to Minor League camp on Monday, where he'll join the organization's prospect mini-camp in progress. Turner, the team's No. 1 Draft pick in 2014 and the No. 8 shortstop prospect in baseball, according to MLB.com, will be with the Nationals come June as the player to be named in a December trade that netted San Diego Wil Myers from Tampa Bay.

When Dexter Fowler was a rookie with the Rockies, he remembers being razzed all the time by the veterans in the clubhouse. The Cubs' Kris Bryant is different. Fowler is stationed next to Bryant in the Cubs' clubhouse, and the No. 2 overall prospect in baseball, per MLB.com, noted that the veteran is always giving him a hard time, although it's all good-natured.

The Astros stressed they weren't concerned about the health of former No. 1 overall Draft pick Mark Appel after he was held out of Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays with mild right forearm tightness.

It was after batting practice Monday that Nationals outfielder Michael Taylor found out that center fielder Denard Span would miss most of Spring Training after having surgery to repair a right core muscle. With Span out, manager Matt Williams announced that Taylor will get most of the playing time during the spring.

Although Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez has been impressed by what he has seen from Jose Peraza through the first few weeks of Spring Training, Gonzalez reiterated it remains unlikely Peraza could make the team's Opening Day roster.

In an effort to improve their farm system, the Yankees have committed significant resources in recent years to acquiring amateur talent. Now the Yankees must set about developing all the young talent they've amassed.

Some nerves may have contributed to an inauspicious debut.for D-backs prospect Yoan Lopez, who was tagged for four runs on six hits in 1 2/3 innings in a 10-5 victory against the Giants on Sunday, surrendering a home run to the first batter he faced.

Luis Severino's live arm was the first thing that Yankees manager Joe Girardi noticed while watching his bullpen sessions early in camp. Girardi has now twice seen the young right-hander attack hitters with confidence, and that may be an even more impressive trait.

Get Daniel Fields healthy and give him at-bats, and the Tigers prospect has a chance to show his swing. He showed it Saturday when he crushed a home run to right-center field at Champion Stadium off a Braves non-roster lefty.

The Cubs' Kris Bryant and the Rangers' Joey Gallo, a pair of top slugging prospects who both grew up in Las Vegas, battled for the Minor League home run title last season and were reunited in Cactus League play on Sunday, with Gallo hitting his first spring homer the day after Bryant hit his.

With only one-plus year of pitching professionally on his ledger, Reds prospect Michael Lorenzen has already moved extremely fast through the organization. It's not out of the question that Lorenzen could be in the Majors as soon as this season.

Nolan Fontana has done nothing but get on base at a high rate since the Astros drafted him out of the University of Florida in the second round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, but it's impossible to get on base when you're injured.

One day after he suffered a bruised and swollen right hand when he was hit by a pitch during a 9-4 loss to the Yankees, Astros outfield prospect Preston Tucker said on Sunday he was sore but otherwise alright. He's still listed as day to day.

Red Sox manager John Farrell wasn't in Sarasota for Saturday's split-squad game against the Orioles, but word spread fast about what he missed. "Three powerful innings from [Eduardo Rodriguez]," said Farrell.

An anticipated wave of young power pitchers drafted and developed by the Reds has reached the upper levels of the Minor Leagues. After three years in their system, the organization's top prospect, Robert Stephenson, could potentially reach the Majors as soon as this season.

Right-hander Spencer Adams has a couple of impressive slam dunks on YouTube from his basketball career and might be the second-round steal of the '14 Draft. The 18-year-old is probably the second-best pitching prospect in the White Sox organization, behind left-hander Carlos Rodon.

Astros infielder Joe Sclafani played many games on the back fields at Roger Dean Stadium as a teenager while growing up in nearby Jensen Beach. On Friday, he finally got his chance to play a game on the stadium field with the Astros.

Astros outfield prospect Preston Tucker could reach the Major Leagues soon considering his Minor League career is off to a promising start, but come June, he might not be the player with the highest ceiling in the organization.

Give Jordan Pries a baseball and a mound and he'll find a way to compete. Which is exactly what the young right-hander plans to do Saturday, when he steps on the hill at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz., for his first Cactus League start in a Mariners split-squad game against the White Sox.

Though Matt Barnes remains a starting-pitching prospect for the Red Sox, the power he displayed out of the bullpen in Thursday's game against the Twins could give manager John Farrell something to think about.

The Rangers' prospect outlook for 2015 isn't quite the same as when the club was waiting for graduations from players like Jurickson Profar, Rougned Odor and a pitcher like Tanner Scheppers. Now, while some top prospects remain ready to help the big league club, a veteran group will comprise the bulk of the Rangers' roster.

A change in the front office and field management have entirely changed the complexion of the Rays. There are opportunities for prospects to assume roles that were taken by now departed veteran players. A nice blend of youth and experience should keep the Rays in contention.

Following a season that left the D-backs with a 64-98 record, the club has reinvented itself with a new front office composed of Tony La Russa, Dave Stewart and De Jon Watson. New manager Chip Hale completes the club's efforts to put last year in the rearview mirror and move ahead.

What a difference a few months make. AT the end of the 2014 season, the Atlanta Braves had one of the weaker farm systems in all of baseball. A slew of trades have helped to restock things considerably as the Braves try to re-make the organization in the way successful Braves teams of the past were built.

Homegrown stars such as Andrew McCutchen and Gerrit Cole have played instrumental roles in the Pirates resurgence, helping the team reach the playoffs in each of the last two years. But Larry Broadway, the club's director of Minor League operations, said the Pirates player development system can't afford to rest on its laurels. They have to keep talent flowing to the Major Leagues.

Blue Jays top prospect Danile Norris made a solid Spring Training debut under the lights on Thursday, against most of the Orioles' right-handed regulars and in front of general manager Alex Anthopoulos and several other members of the front office.

Bradley Zimmer admitted to coming down with some rookie jitters when he arrived at Goodyear Ballpark on Thursday. Once the highly-touted Indians prospect was on the field, things slowed down and felt more natural for the outfielder.

It was only two innings during a Grapefruit League game in early March, but for Mark Appel, it was another step towards Houston. He made his first appearance on Thursday afternoon, tallying a win and gaining some valuable experience.

There is a pretty healthy discussion going on within the Royals' organization these days about what to do with rookie left-hander Brandon Finnegan, who was drafted last year as a starter but has excelled out of the bullpen.

Cubs prospect Kyle Schwarber celebrated his 22nd birthday in a grand way Thursday. Schwarber, the 2014 No. 6 prospect in the Cubs organization according to MLB.com, hit a grand slam off Giants starter Ryan Vogelsong in the second inning of Thursday's contest.

Mariners first-base prospect Ji-Man Choi will undergo surgery on Thursday to repair a broken right leg after injuring himself leaping for a high throw in Wednesday's Cactus League opener against the Padres.

Young, homegrown players have played no small part in helping the Orioles reach the playoffs in two of the last three seasons. As a result, their latest group of prospects has plenty of role models to emulate as they advance through the Minor Leagues.

The Minnesota Twins have something very good going on in their farm system. With six prospects on the Top 100 list, they are generally considered to have among the top two or three farm systems in baseball. They also know that placement on prospect rankings doesn't mean a whole lot in the big picture.

As the Mariners' first-round pick in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft, there are a lot of eyes on D.J. Peterson as he goes through his first Major League camp this spring. And the young third-base prospect didn't disappoint when he launched a home run on his initial at-bat in Seattle's 4-3 win in 10 innings over the Padres on Wednesday.

The D-backs still view prospect Brandon Drury as a third baseman, but have not ruled out a future for him at second base. Last season, the 22-year-old played mostly third, but did make two appearances at second.

This time, right-hander Eddie Butler plans to be healthy and effective when the Rockies call his name. Butler's throwing shoulder wasn't right, and he knew it, when the Rockies summoned him to the Majors from Double-A Tulsa last June.

In just two trades -- one with the Marlins that involved Mark Buehrle and Jose Reyes, and one with the Mets that brought in R.A. Dickey -- the Toronto Blue Jays emptied a large portion of the Minor League cupboard. In a short period of time, however, they have done a good job restocking the shelves, to the point where they have one of the best systems in baseball.

Who are the best fantasy prospects for this season? Unlike MLBPipeline.com's Top 100 Prospects list, which is based on long-term potential, the rankings here are determined solely by expected big league production in 2015.

A day after Mets veterans David Wright and Bobby Parnell confronted Noah Syndergaard for eating in the clubhouse during a game, the rookie apologized for actions that he called "straight-up ignorance on my part."

In the Rockies' world, a player may need to move around to move up. The Rockies usually carry 13 pitchers, while most teams tend to go with 12. That means fewer players on the Rockies' bench, so the more versatile a player, the better.

The A's have frequently used a strength-in-numbers approach, but rarely more often than this winter. In total, Billy Beane and David Forst acquired 27 players in nine trades during the Hot Stove season.

Tigers top hitting prospect Steven Moya, who is Detroit's No. 4-ranked prospect, according to MLB.com, missed Tuesday's Grapefruit League opener against the Orioles after suffering a back spasm, manager Brad Ausmus said. He'll be re-evaluated on Wednesday.

It has been easy to spot the extra attention on Luis Severino this spring at Yankees camp, which the young right-hander seems to be handling with a cool demeanor. That should have hinted at how he would deal with going up against proven big league performers.

Aaron Judge seems to have a knack for making a good first impression. The power-hitting outfielder slammed a three-run home run in his Grapefruit League debut on Tuesday, helping the Yankees rally to a 5-5 tie against the Phillies at Bright House Field.

Early hysteria over 18-year-old lefty Julio Urias is reminiscent to Clayton Kershaw of early hysteria over a 20-year-old Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw said he has already talked to Urias about dealing with it all.

The Twins announced that No. 5 prospect Jose Berrios will start against the University of Minnesota on Wednesday, along with right-hander Kyle Gibson getting the nod for the Grapefruit League opener against the Red Sox on Thursday.

Perfect weather at Bright House Field on Tuesday afternoon complemented the start of the Grapefruit League season for the Yankees and Phillies, who played to a 5-5 tie. With two outs in the top of the ninth, Yankees No. 5 prospect Aaron Judge knotted the score with a three-run homer.

The Marlins like what they see in pitching prospects Jose Urena and Justin Nicolino. But the organization is in no rush to see either one in the big leagues before they're ready. That's why the organization is moving each one up one level at a time. Urena and Nicolino were anchors on Double-A Jacksonville's Southern League title team last year, and they are projected to start this season off at Triple-A New Orleans.

Danny Hultzen took another step on the long road back from shoulder surgery Tuesday as the Mariners' 2011 first-round Draft pick threw his first live batting practice of the spring and pronounced everything good.

Many think the White Sox won the offseason with their bold moves, but with the start of Cactus League play, it's now time to put aside all the expectations and see if the club can create its own identity.

Albert Almora played last season with a heavy heart and mind as he watched his father battle prostate cancer. Now, with those concerns put aside, the Cubs prospect believes he has gained a greater perspective on the game.

Now that the Braves' coaching staff has had a chance to watch Jose Peraza progress through the early days of his first big league camp, they find themselves among those debating when the heralded top prospect should make his Major League debut.

Tyrell Jenkins did not know that he and Rio Ruiz shared the distinction of having passed on the opportunity to be a quarterback for one of college football's elite programs. But he was well aware of Ruiz's baseball prowess long before the two were united as part of the impressive prospect crop the Braves brought to this year's Spring Training.

The Red Sox, already with a reputation of having one of the top farm systems in baseball, are to be on the cusp of adding to their prospect coffers with Yoan Moncada. But even without the Cuban infielder, Boston not only has a ton of talent, they have a good amount of it at the upper levels of the system. The Sox top two prospects, Blake Swihart and Henry Owens, look solid at big league camp.

While Major League clubs are preparing for Spring Training games in Arizona and Florida, one team from the Korea Baseball Organization wrapped up its first spring camp at the Urban Youth Academy on Monday.

Francisco Lindor, the Indians' top-ranked prospect and No. 4 overall according to MLB.com, may be able to hold his own in the big leagues, but Cleveland is intent on letting the 21-year-old refine his skills in the Minor Leagues a little while longer.

The Blue Jays are planning to bring in Scott Rolen later this week to work with prized prospect Mitch Nay. The former All-Star is set to work with Nay on his fielding at third base and possibly his hitting as well.

Outfielder Courtney Hawkins, ranked as the fifth-best White Sox prospect, once put pressure on himself to reach the Majors yesterday. Now, the team's top Draft pick from 2012 is letting his progress take its natural course.

Right-hander Jandel Gustave, a Rule 5 Draft pick, intrigued the Royals' scouting department enough with his 101-mph fastball that the club considers it a real possibility that it could carry him on the 25-man roster all season.

After a decent start at Double-A last season, something strange happened to Royals prospect Hunter Dozier. He went through a slump, an actual, nasty two-week stretch in which he went 5-for-42.
Dozier calls it the worst hitting slump of his young baseball life.

Braves president of baseball operations John Hart and manager Fredi Gonzalez were among the many members of the organization who seemingly made a point to watch Tyrell Jenkins complete his live batting practice session on Monday.

Kyle Kubitza has what every prospect wants -- a clear path. The Angels traded one of those young, high-upside starting pitching prospects they barely have because they needed someone to play third base in 2016, and the club believes Kubitza can be that player.

When Matt Duffy made his Major League debut for the Giants last Aug. 1, a certain Astros prospect started receiving congratulatory messages from a couple of his distant relatives. There was no confusion on his part, though. He knew exactly what was up.

The Reds got a long look at right-handed pitching prospect Daniel Corcino when he was a September callup last season. Corcino made three starts and fared well, but he doesn't appear to be under consideration for one of the rotation spots up for grabs this spring.

About 30 of the Astros' most promising prospects, including several members of the 2014 Draft class, reported to the Minor League complex at Osceola County Stadium on Sunday morning in advance of a mini-camp that begins Monday.

Right-hander Asher Wojciechowski may have been one of the most excited players to hit Astros camp this year, for no other reason than he was finally healthy after missing all of last year's camp with a strained right lat muscle.

The Dodgers like Alex Guerrero's offensive potential, but are still trying to determine if and where the infielder fits in the organization. The 28-year-old will see action at second base, third base and in the outfield during Spring Training.

Hunter Morris, once the Brewers' heir apparent to Prince Fielder at first base, finds himself exiled from the 40-man roster and sliding down the depth chart. He knows exactly what's at stake this spring.

While we salivate at the release of the Top 100 prospect lists, the fact is that very few players become superstars. But some still manage to surprise you when most have stopped paying attention. Who could it be this season?